Greater
Yellowstone and Grand Tetons:
Wildlife
& Birding
June 16-28, 2007
Join
travelers from Naturalist Journeys and our British associate TRAVELLING
NATURALISTS for an incredible two week sampler of the Greater Yellowstone
and Grand Teton area. Peg has led this journey for Travelling Naturalists
for several years, and this year we open registration to Naturalist
Journeys participants as well, as several of you have requested a
more thorough journey to region that our “Birds, Bears and Wolves”
itinerary affords.
We
travel to the splendor of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
when summer days are long, resident birds will be in full song on
territories, and its amazing mammals have young of the year in abundance.
Nearby Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in the pristine Centennial
Valley is a verdant and critical nesting area for many wetland species,
including the majestic Trumpeter Swan.
We
start our tour in the "Big Sky" state of Montana, at Billings.
With local birding guide Helen Carlson we explore the prairies, open
farm country, local creeks, and streams in search of special western
species. We travel over the spectacular Beartooth Plateau before arriving
at Yellowstone National Park itself.
In
Yellowstone we follow the road system to visit the Grand Canyon of
the Yellowstone with its magnificent Upper and Lower Falls, Hayden
Valley, Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful and other spectacular geyser
basins. Among the birds we should encounter are American Dipper, Townsend's
Solitaire, Western Bluebird, Clark's Nutcracker, Red-naped and Williamson’s
Sapsuckers, and Steller's Jay. Raptor enthusiasts should get a fill
of Osprey, Bald and Golden Eagles, while a range of ducks and waders
may include the much sought-after Harlequin Duck, Lesser Scaup and
Spotted Sandpiper.
As our British clients say, we should also draw up a ‘cracking
list’ of large and small mammals, including Beaver, Moose, Mountain
Goat and Bighorn Sheep. With luck, we should see several Grizzly and
Black Bear, or even a feeding pack of Gray Wolf. If one of the wolf
packs dens within site of our telescopes from the road, we have a
treat in store, as this is well timed for the emergence
of puppies! We have arranged a superb raft trip on the Snake River
for you to feast your eyes on the Teton scenery, and we will check
to see if either barrel racing or a rodeo is going on in the evening
for a final night of western fun!
ITINERARY
Sat.,
June 16 Arrive in Billings / Optional Tour of Downtown & Museum
/ Welcome Dinner
Arrive today by 6 p.m. in Billings, located on the edge of
the great prairies of Montana. The Yellowstone River is the largest,
undammed river in the Rocky Mountain West. While a small city by national
standards, Billings is the largest city in MT; as the center of an
extended farming and ranching community, it retains distinctive western
flair. Those arriving early will enjoy the local historic museum and
a chance to explore the downtown area. Our British travelers typically
arrive later in the evening, but those arriving by 6 p.m. will meet
at a great local restaurant for our welcome dinner
Accommodations at the Rim Rock Inn, Billings (D)
Sun.,
June 17 Montana Prairie Birding – Longspurs, Burrowing Owls
and More!
At this time of year, Montana’s high prairies are green and
blooming and bird song is at its peak. It’s an excellent time
to locate specialty birds: Upland Plover, Long-billed Curlew, Chestnut-collared
and McCown's Longspurs, American Pipit, Horned Lark, Lark Bunting
and Western Meadowlark all breed here. These are the legendary open
spaces of "Big Sky Country" -- in a full day's drive you'll
see only small communities and a few scattered ranch buildings. Cottonwood
trees and a variety of shrubs line local creeks and streams; we check
these green oases for songbirds such as Brown Thrasher, Yellow-breasted
Chat, American Redstart, Western Kingbird, and the colorful Bullock’s
Oriole. We also observe a colony of inquisitive, highly social Black-tailed
Prairie Dogs, with a chance of seeing Burrowing Owls as well.
Accommodations at the Rim Rock Inn, Billings (B,L,D)
Mon.,
June 18 – Wed., June 20 Yellowstone National Park
On our way to Yellowstone National Park we drive up and over scenic
Beartooth Pass, a drive Charles Kurault described as one of the most
scenic in North America. Snow may still line the road at higher elevations;
the snow ploughs typically push through this area around Memorial
Day! This high country is home to some of America's most exceptional
western species; today we hope to find Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle,
and flocks of Rosy Finch. In conifer groves we look for seed-eating
birds such as Pine Grosbeak, Cassin's Finch, and Pine Siskin. Aspen
groves invite Warbling Vireo and the beautiful Western Tanager. Our
base for the next three nights is in Cooke City, a small town near
the northeast entrance to the park.
We
will spend much of our two days in the park exploring the remote and
beautiful Lamar Valley, the core area for recent efforts to reintroduce
the Gray Wolf. Each day we drive to the valley at dawn for the chance
to observe wolf packs in the area. Grizzly and Black Bears are also
active on the valley floor at this time of year, because snows in
the high country inhibit Elk from moving up of the valley.
Lamar Valley is haven to all sorts of wildlife. Numerous small herds
of Elk, Bison, Mule Deer, and Pronghorn, many with young, should be
grazing and enjoying the spring flush of grass. Ravens, Coyote, Bald
and Golden Eagle, Red Fox, and Black-billed Magpies follow the great
predators and fight over carcass remains. Lamar Creek is home to Barrow's
and Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, and other species of waterfowl.
Northern Harrier and Red-tailed Hawk both nest in the valley.
One
afternoon enjoy freetime to check out the Visitor’s Center or
explore the Mammoth Terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs to witness the
first of many thermal features on the trip. We look for birds such
as Black-billed Magpie, Lazuli Bunting, Prairie Falcon and Townsend's
Solitaire. The delightful American Dipper should be active 
along
the rushing stream, and with luck we may find beautiful Bighorn Sheep
or Pronghorn grazing above us on the rugged cliffs of McMinn Bench.
What a great place to be at the apex of the summer solstice!
Accommodations for three nights at the Alpine Motel, Cooke City
(B,L,D)
Thurs., June 21 Dunraven Pass Hike / Tower Falls / Yellowstone
Lake Birding
Today we head into the heart of Yellowstone, traveling up and over
Dunraven Pass. From great meadows dotted by sagebrush and aspen woodlands,
we climb through Lodgepole Pine up to spruce-fir forests. Here we
hope to find Hairy Woodpecker, Clark’s Nutcracker, Gray Jay,
Cordilleran Flycatcher, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and other birds in
the lush coniferous forest. Before ascending the pass, we stop to
see the spectacular Tower Falls. For several years a pair of Peregrine
Falcon has nested here, along with several pairs of breeding Osprey.
This is another good area to search for Bighorn Sheep. 
Our destination tonight is Yellowstone Lake, perhaps the most productive
birding location in the park. At historic Fishing Bridge we can enjoy
the antics of White Pelican and both Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye,
while keeping our eyes peeled for Bald Eagle – often being harassed
by Osprey! Enjoy dinner with a view of the lake, and perhaps a stroll
along the shore as evening descends.
Accommodations in Cabins at Lake, Yellowstone NP (B,L,D)
Fri.,
June 22 YNP’s Hayden Valley / Yellowstone Lake / Visitor’s
Center
This morning we venture out to Hayden Valley very early to scan for
Grizzly Bear, Gray Wolf, and herds of Bison. Last year the Hayden
wolf pack denned within a telescope view from the road and put on
quite a show! After a field breakfast, we make some leisurely stops:
first at Mud Volcano, then at fast-moving waters of LeHardy Rapids,
where
we check for the beautiful but elusive Harlequin Duck. In open sagebrush
hills, we watch for Ferruginous Hawks and other birds of prey. Birdwatching
can be very productive here, looking out to isolated groves of conifers
and in the vast wetland areas that frame the lakeshore. We continue
on towards Canyon, stopping at viewpoints for magnificent vistas of
the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls.
In
the afternoon, we venture east of Lake Hotel, following the scenic
lakeshore towards Mary’s Bay and a panoramic point at Lake Butte.
Several ponds, as well as Pelican Creek’s outlet to the lake
offer great birding: often we find White Pelican, Lesser Scaup, and
Canvasback, Redhead, and Ring-necked Ducks. With luck we may also
find Western or Clark’s Grebes, or even a 
Common
Loon.
There is a fascinating recent burn area where we witness the recent
forest regeneration and a colorful array of wildflowers. Don’t
be surprised if we find a Black Bear here, savoring a scratch or dining
on sweet tuberous roots.
Enjoy
a stop at the visitor’s center on the shore of the lake. Then
we return to our lodgings so you can have some free time in the afternoon.
Dinner is in the lovely dining room at Lake, overlooking the water.
Accommodations in Cabins at Lake, Yellowstone NP (B,L,D)
Sat.,
June 23 Old Faithful Geyser Basin / West Thumb Geyser Basin
If the sights in Hayden were exceptional the day before – as
is typical – then we offer an optional second outing before
breakfast.
After
breakfast, we drive to Old Faithful Geyser Basin, crossing the Continental
Divide at Craig Pass. Our route parallels the shore of Yellowstone
Lake, which, rimmed by mountains, is one of the most beautiful in
the West. On the way we stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin to see the
rainbow-colored thermal pools and hissing steam vents called fumaroles.
Crossing the continental divide, we stop at Kepler Cascades to see
this beautiful waterfall and scan for American Dipper. In the trees
that tower above our viewing platform, we may also catch sight of
Cassin’s Finch, Red Crossbill, or Pine Siskin.
We
arrive in plenty of time to explore the Upper Geyser Basin; this area
is home to over 70 major geysers, including Old Faithful. Depending
on the anticipated time for Old Faithful’s eruption, we will
have lunch before or after, then venture onto boardwalk trails that
offer several walking options in the basin. Often we find Killdeer,
American Dipper, and Bald Eagle as we search. Yellow-bellied Marmot
and Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel are quite common and relatively
tame here as well.
Later
in the afternoon, we head south to our lakeside lodgings at Colter
Bay Village. On this lovely drive we leave Yellowstone near the South
Entrance, cross the Snake River, and continue on to the Grand Tetons.
The first view of Jackson Lake and the majestic Grand Teton mountain
range is just stunning. As we stop to photograph, enjoy scope views
of ducks and shorebirds in a quiet cove.
Accommodations at Colter Bay Village, Grand Teton National Park
(B,L,D)
Sun.,
June 24 Yellowstone Lake / Grand Teton National Park / Jackson Hole
We spend the day exploring Grand Teton National Park, making several
stops at some excellent roadside birding spots en route. For much
of the morning Jackson Lake and the beautiful peaks are within view.
Traveling through the park, we have lots of places to search for Moose,
Barrow’s Goldeneye, Green-tailed Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Sandhill
Crane and other species. After a picnic lunch, we head into the very
western town of Jackson, in historic Jackson Hole. Here we check ponds
of the National Elk Refuge for Trumpeter Swan, Cinnamon Teal, Yellow-headed
Blackbird, and possibly Wilson’s Snipe. In the afternoon you’re
free to explore the town a bit, or enjoy some shopping. We rendezvous
at a great local restaurant for dinner. Afterwards, those with the
interest and energy might want to check out the local rodeo!
Accommodations at Colter Bay, Grand Teton National Park (B,L,D)
Mon.,
June 25 Grand Teton National Park
We have another full day to explore Grand Teton National Park, considered
one of the top five U.S. national parks for birdwatching. Atop Signal
Mountain we have a 360-degree view of magnificent mountains and a
good chance of finding Blue Grouse. We also visit the Jenny Lake area,
which has some lovely old growth forest, a good place to search for
Swainson’s and other thrushes.
Then
we take a great scenic raft trip on the Snake River, sitting back
to enjoy the scenery and some great wildlife views. This is our best
chance at observing Beaver, and we should find Moose, and possibly
nesting Bald Eagle as well. We’ve scheduled an early dinner,
then the last float of the day, when wildlife species are more active,
for a relaxed and memorable evening.
Accommodations at Colter Bay, Grand Teton National Park (B,L,D)
Tues.,
June 26 Southern reaches of Yellowstone / Harriman State Park
Today we drive a scenic backcountry road through the remote southern
reaches of Yellowstone. With luck we may find fields of Camas, Indian
Paintbrush, and myriad other wildflowers. At a remote lake, we scan
for nesting Common Loon, which in past years we’ve seen with
their dark fuzzy chicks.
In
the afternoon, we visit another birdwatching hotspot at Harriman State
Park along the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. Ponds here attract
Western, Clark’s, and Red-necked Grebe, as well as a variety
of waterfowl. Moose are attracted to lush aquatic vegetation along
Silver Lake; we also watch for Belted Kingfisher, Spotted Sandpiper
and Marsh Wren. Settle into our delightful accommodations on the banks
of the Snake River, where we may see Caspian Tern, Bald Eagle, and
Osprey from our sitting porches!
Accommodations at Angler’s Lodge, Island Park, ID (B,L,D)
Wed.,
June 27 Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge / Henry’s Fork
Snake River
Today we visit one of the most pristine valleys remaining in the Rockies:
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, which sits west of Yellowstone
and is a birdwatching paradise. Large shallow lakes fill the valley,
providing habitat for Franklin’s Gulls, Long-billed Curlew,
White-faced Ibis, and other species. Sandhill Cranes are common –
their loud calls rivaling only that of the Trumpeter Swan, signature
species of the refuge.
In
aspen groves and along the edges of coniferous woodlands we listen
and look for a wide variety of birds. We may find Moose and Red Fox,
or catch glimpses of Marmot or Ground Squirrel. The road system provides
access to the vast areas of the refuge, so we can enjoy short walks
and a picnic lunch in various habitats.
Returning
to our lovely lodge on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River,
we watch for Caspian Tern from our balconies. Tonight we gather for
a delightful final dinner.
Accommodations at Angler’s Lodge, Island Park, ID (B,L,D)
Thurs.,
June 28 Return to Bozeman via Gallatin River Canyon / Bozeman / Optional
Return to Billings
We end our journey with a very scenic morning drive back to Bozeman,
MT. If we get an early start we can see a few birds along the way
– hoping for Red Crossbill and possibly Pine Grosbeak in feeders
when we stop for coffee in the town of West Yellowstone. We plan to
arrive at the airport by 10:00 a.m. for departures from Bozeman after
11:00 am. If you prefer to return from Billings, please contact us
as we may need to return a van back to that location, arriving there
approx. 2:00 pm.
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Tour
Cost and Travel Arrangements
COST
OF THE JOURNEY: Cost of the main journey is $2995.00
from Billings, MT, departing Bozeman, MT. This cost is based
on double occupancy and includes: transportation during
the journey, all accommodations, all meals as specified
in the itinerary, professional guide services, park and
other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
It does not include: roundtrip airfare to and from Billings,
items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, or
drinks from the bar; or gratuities for porterage or personal
services. With fewer than 8 participants, a small-group
surcharge (typically $100-300 per participant) may apply.
Single supplement is $750.00.
TRAVEL
ARRANGEMENTS: You are responsible for planning
your arrival to Billings and departure from Bozeman, MT.
At the start of the journey we will pick up participants
at the airport at intervals from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, if you
arrive earlier it is a short taxi ride to our hotel. Plan
to arrive by 3 p.m. on the 16th if you wish to join us for
a tour of Billings. Otherwise, arrive by 6 p.m. in order
to join us for the welcome dinner and orientation at 6:30
p.m. Plan to depart any time after 11:00 am on June 28,
or if you prefer, from Billings after 2:00 pm.
Photo Credits:
American Dipper, Carol Rivchun; Trumpeter Swan, www.trumpeterswansociety.org;
Burrowing Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, Harlequin Duck and Sandhill
Cranes, Tony Beck - www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/;
all other photos, Peg Abbott. |
